Down the Lane

I am in my old age going to learn to crochet. I knit, sew and do many other things, but have never taken to learning to crochet. My grandchildren do it, people on here do it and I feel that it is something that I must achieve, along with patchwork of course to use up oddments of material.

I have ordered a book of instruction as well as finding video how to's on the net; have got lots of oddments of wood and have acquired crochet hooks. Now that I have put my intentions on here, I will have to stick to them

Oooh June, I am excited for you!!

I can thoroughly recommend the following sites for tutorials, with the first one finally giving me that ureka breakthrough moment!! It's all about who you 'click' with best

Little Tin Bird
Bunny Mummy
Attic 24

I would also suggest you start with a granny square and go from there. If you have any questions, please ask! I dont know everything, but I do remember my learning to crochet experience

I think we all remember that first 'square'!

Thank Helen for the ref's. I will have a look shortly.

You made my day advising me to start with a square. Anything else, as if..

I re-learned to crochet a couple of years ago having been able to in my teens then forgot. I struggled like mad as I couldn't tension the yarn holding it in the wrong hand (being a knitter) then someone showed me to hold it as if I was knitting and EUREKA! I call in 'cack-handed-crochet' but it works for me

I also crochet cack handed! There's a surprise

June, this is my latest project which I began 2 days ago. The colours are actuallybrighter than in the photo - I think the flash has dulled them.



In my book it is made as a baby blanket, but I am making a bright and cheerful cushion. I have not done this pattern square before, and it is a bit different but actually very straightforward. Working with these colours makes me cheerful!

Ps I use stylecraft special DK - it is on special offer @ £1.50 for 100g HERE until the end of october

Beautiful Helen


Will you have enough wool

I'm getting low

p.penn wrote:I'm getting low

Great stuff!

I taught myself to crochet from instructions in the back of a knitting book about how to work a hem. For a long time I could only go round and round in circles and have several crocheted bowls and bags to show for it

Perhaps it is time to pick up your hook again?

Helen that is so beautiful! I can remember the first granny square that you did and showed us a pic of and can't believe how much you have progressed since then.

p.penn wrote:I also crochet cack handed! There's a surprise

Have you tried Addi hooks? I bought 3 in Skipton / Yarndale. I found they sit perfectly in my hand when I kind of let go to throw the yarn round the hook. Previously used Cloverleaf but the Addi ones fit me so much better

I have found it so hard to hold the wool and hook as I should. After spending a whole evening with a granny square, crocheting and pulling down, I have managed to make 3 whole rounds that I am happy with. I am just using one colour until I get the hang of it properly. I will try and do 1 square each day until I have enough to do something with them.
As I have arthritis in my hook side thumb, I found that it was a bit sore after a time. I must look out for a hook with a thicker shaft which may help.

I definitely won't give up and it may be some time before the pics are put up. It will happen one day